Meal Pattern Minute: Breastfeeding On-Site

For Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators caring for infants, understanding how breast milk is credited is an important part of meeting meal pattern requirements. Can an operator claim the meal when a parent breastfeeds their infant on-site? Are there specific documentation requirements? Knowing how to record these feedings correctly helps support breastfeeding families while maintaining accurate program records. 

Hear from Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, in this Meal Pattern Minute as she explains the guidance around parents breastfeeding on-site. 

Transcript: The answer is yes. Breastfeeding on-site by a parent is creditable towards the infant meal pattern. The quantity of breast milk does not need to be documented when breastfeeding onsite occurs. Providers should document that breast milk was offered by recording "breast milk," “breastfed,” or “mom” on the menu or meal count form. Check with your sponsor or State agency if there are additional documentation requirements. 

Supporting breastfeeding families helps create a positive and inclusive environment for infants in CACFP settings. Be sure to review the resources below, follow your sponsor or State agency's documentation requirements, and stay current with USDA guidance to ensure compliance and provide the best care for infants in your program. 

• • CACFP 06-2025: Feeding Infants and Meal Pattern Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers 
    Learn more about infant meal pattern requirements, including breast milk and infant feeding guidance. 
  • USDA Feeding Infants in the CACFP Guide  
    A USDA resource covering infant nutrition, breast milk, formula requirements and best practices for CACFP operators. 
• Meal Pattern Minutes 
  • Explore additional Meal Pattern Minutes videos and resources covering common meal pattern questions. 

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